London touring and tasting: Vinopolis & Butler Wharf

One of the largest, longest and favorite walks on my trip to London took me from the Tower of London (first stop of the morning), over Tower Bridge (lots going on!), to discover Butler’s Wharf, peek in at the new City Hall (globe like), to London Bridge, past Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and finally over the Hungerford Bridge by twilight (think walking across the Thames, lights coming on, London Eye in full view).

Besides taking in glorious views and historic monuments, I discovered Butler’s Wharf (south bank of Tower Bridge), full of little shops, fabulous dining and a few architect/real estate offices and residences thrown in. It was a lively mixture of office space combined with boutique shops (handbags, scarves, stationary, etc.) and a pile of great eateries (see photo). Not to mention a close-up and continual view of one of London’s most impressive bridges. Quaint is right.

On that same walk I waltzed the south bank of the River Thames, taking in views of the new City Hall building, the Galleria (more shops and tea) and Shakespeare’s Globe (famous theater, but unfortunately out of season in Nov). And then I came upon perhaps my favorite find: the south bank of London Bridge which has a market tucked right under it. It was farmers market, mixed with an organic wine shop (impressive tasting menu and wine flights), a coffee tasting bar, amazing little shops, really nice restaurants and bars. Taste wine, buy organic produce, watch the butchers at work, hear the buzz, watch purveyors, eat a croissant. And then if that wasn’t enough, I fell upon Vinopolis. Essentially a wine tasting, spirit tasting tour and experience. You can taste and learn about whiskey, wine, dine in a restaurant, visit the wine shop, visit their Blue Bar, etc.

Sigh. What fun it walk and find, to savor and taste… In no particular order, of course.

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